Immersed in the Christmas Spirit at Yuletide

What better way to kick off the holidays than with tap dancing Santas, a harmonica-playing magician and Broadway actors? No better way in my opinion. Our Travel & Tourism class visited the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra last Thursday evening to view the Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration. Being my first Yuletide and also my first trip to the ISO, I was greatly looking forward to hear the live orchestra first and foremost. But the entertainment and comedy provided that added zing to make Yuletide a wonderfully beautiful, inspiring and hilarious holiday event.

The host this year is five-time Grammy and four-time Billboard Music Award winner, Sandi Patty. Not only did she have a stunningly beautiful voice, but she hosted the event effortlessly, almost as if she was born to run the show. The orchestra played beautiful and diverse renditions of holiday favorites such as “Happy Holiday”, “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”, and “I Love a Piano” while actors in elaborate costumes glided around the stage.

An added feature to the program is special guests Les Arnold and Dazzle. This funny duo puts a twist on the average magician and partner, doing memorable tricks with a duck, harmonicas, and even Santa Claus himself.

In the wake of finals studying, group projects and papers, I almost forget how to enjoy the holidays now. Yuletide was the perfect kickstart to Christmas and a much-needed reminder that ’tis the season to be close to and cherish friends and family.